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Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman, Tanya Plibersek, said Mr Sharon would be remembered as "a giant in the history of Israel."

"In his final years as Prime Minister, Sharon made great strides in the Israel-Palestine peace process, representing a courageous shift in his politics in favour of a two-state solution," Ms Plibersek said in a statement.

"Ariel Sharon embodied fearless leadership through trying times and spent his life serving Israel and its people," she said.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will represent Australia at a memorial service for Mr Sharon on Monday.